Acceptable Use Policy

In
response to the growing use of the Internet in classrooms, many schools
have implemented Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) to ensure that school
computers are being used in a safe, relevant and appropriate manner.

At
the school level, an AUP acts as a written contract between
administrators, teachers, parents and students. It outlines the terms
and conditions for Internet use by defining access privileges, rules of
online behaviour, and the consequences for violating those rules. The
AUP can also be a helpful tool for teachers, offering guidance on how
best to integrate the Internet into their classrooms.

The
focus of an AUP should be on the responsible use of computer networks.
Such networks include both the Internet (the World Wide Web, external
e-mail, and so on) and any Intranets (classroom networks, communications
between classes within a school or district, library catalogue and
database access, etc.). According to the US Department of Education's
online Alphabet Superhighway, AUPs should include:

A description of the instructional philosophies, strategies and goals to be supported by Internet access in schools

An explanation of the availability of computer networks to students and staff members in your school or district

A statement about the educational uses and advantages of the Internet

An explanation of the responsibilities of educators and parents for students' use of the Internet

A code of conduct governing behaviour on the Internet

An outline of the consequences of violating the AUP

A description of what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable use of the Internet

A description of
the rights of individuals using the networks in your school/district
(such as the right to free speech, right to privacy, and so on)

A disclaimer absolving the school district from responsibility, under certain circumstances

An acknowledgement that the AUP complies with provincial and national telecommunication rules and regulations

A form for teachers, parents and students to sign, indicating that they agree to abide by the AUP

In addition, an AUP should:

Serve as a legal document.
The school board's legal counsel should approve the AUP before it is distributed.

Be complete.
An AUP should include not just rules of behaviour, but also a statement about the school's position on Internet use.

Be adaptable.
Since
the Internet is constantly evolving, an AUP cannot anticipate every
possible situation. It should address this fact, and be capable of
modifications to cover circumstances not outlined. You may need to
update the AUP as new issues arise.

Be unique to your school.
Every
school or district is different - both in terms of the technology
available, and in terms of who has access to the network; who maintains
the network; and who teaches school personnel and/or students how to use
the network.

Protect students.
If students
follow the AUP's rules, their exposure to questionable material should
be minimized. The AUP can also protect them from dangerous online
behavior, such as giving out their names and addresses to strangers.

Inform parents.
An AUP outlines to parents how their children will learn on the Internet, and how they will be supervised while on it.